The Council has received overwhelming public support for proposals to create a cycling up in Hunters Hall.

A
public consultation has been underway since May 2014 on the Council’s proposed
cycling hub. Of the 707 responses received, 91.2% welcomed the development of
new cycling facilities.

The options which have been
developed and reported to date would include removal of the outdoor velodrome
at Meadowbank, as reported to this Committee in May. The outdoor velodrome
proposed for Hunter’s Hall Park would potentially replace that facility. A report on the survey results will be put to the Culture & Sport Committee on 16 December and a recommended cycling facility mix will be discussed.

Responding to a blog post by cyclist Callum Skinner, who is keen to see an indoor velodrome built in the city, Councillor
Richard Lewis, Convener of Culture and Sport, commented:“We’ve
had overwhelming support for a cycling hub in Hunters Hall, with more than 90
per cent of people telling us new facilities for cycling would be welcome.

“We
know that cycling in Edinburgh is on the increase, and that we live in one of
the fastest growing cities for cycling to work*,
but we are lacking in dedicated cycling sports facilities. Hunters Hall is a
project that I believe would tackle that. We want as many young people as possible
to be given the opportunity to learn how to cycle confidently in a safe
environment, while being excited by the prospects cycling abilities can bring.

“We have £1.215m of funding set aside for this
project so we must be realistic in our vision. We need to find an affordable
solution that supports the majority of cyclists and learners."